Joyce Udelhofen

Joyce A. Udelhofen, age 85, of Lancaster, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, December 4, 2016, at Orchard Manor Nursing Home, rural Lancaster. She was born on February 22, 1931, in Bellevue, IA, the daughter of William C. and Catherine (Silverding) Yeager. On February 20, 1954, she was united in marriage to Wilford Ryan at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bellevue, IA, and spent 18 wonderful years with "Bill" until his death on May 29, 1972. On April 26, 1980, Joyce was united in marriage to Kenneth W. Udelhofen at St. Clement Catholic Church. Joyce was employed at the former Cuba City Hospital for several years, and then worked for over 27 years in medical records at Orchard Manor Nursing Home in Lancaster. She was a devoted member of St. Clement Catholic Church, where she served as a Eucharistic Minister for 27 years, and volunteered her time to many church functions. Joyce was a lifetime member of the VFW Auxiliary No. 2344 where she held the office of secretary/treasurer. Joyce also volunteered her time at the Grant County Thrift Shop, the Holiday Project, and the Food Pantry.

Survivors include her husband, Kenneth; three sons: Stan Ryan, Madison; Steven (Jodi) Ryan, Waunakee; Joe (Andrea) Ryan, Lancaster; two daughters: Jane Burns, Hunting Beach, CA.; Cathy (Charles) Gibson, Oshkosh; a step-son, Michael (Nancy) Udelhofen, Prairie Du Sac; her grandchildren: Sara (Nate) Roloff, Kelli (Eric) Gross, Jenna (Julian) Edwards, Jay (Carrisa) Ryan, Alyssa and Alex Gibson, Ryan Burns, Christopher and Matthew Gibson, Andy Ryan, Marc (Anna) Udelhofen and Carly (Brandon) Zick; seven great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents and her husband, Wilford, Joyce was preceded in death by her siblings: Dorothy (Greg) Roling; Luella (Victor) Kueter; Delores (Alfred) Ploeger; William A. Yeager.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, December 12, 2016, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Clement Catholic Church in Lancaster with Reverend John Sasse and Msgr. Tom Baxter officiating. Private family burial was in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Dubuque, IA. Family and friends called on Sunday, December 11, 2016 from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the church and on Monday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services. Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Crematory in Lancaster is serving the family.